Undergraduate Students Make Mark at Pitt in Environmental Law and Policy Class

The University of Pittsburgh’s spring 2023 Environmental Law and Policy class has produced exceptional results, with undergraduate students having their papers published in the April issue of the esteemed Journal of Science Policy and Governance. This class aimed to encourage students to identify science policy problems and propose innovative solutions, with teams consisting of students from diverse majors at Pitt, including environmental studies and environmental science.

The collaboration between undergraduate students and experienced researchers and faculty members has been a significant aspect of this project. The class showcased the interdisciplinary approach required to tackle complex environmental challenges. The opportunity for undergraduate students to share their ideas and recommendations in a respected journal like the Journal of Science Policy and Governance highlights the quality of education and research being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh.

Two remarkable papers were published in this issue: “Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches” by Yasmine Florent, Mackenzie Nemoto, Ana Rowley, Vanessa Pratt, Maria Isabel Villegas (A&S ’24), and “Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan,” authored by Ashlynn Moretti, Madilyn Cianci, Mina Kimak, Savannah Johns (A&S ’23). These papers demonstrate the students’ research efforts on critical environmental issues.

Overall, this project is an excellent example of how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to meaningful contributions to ongoing discussions surrounding environmental policy.